In a news release obtained by our partners at Whitefish Bay Patch, the Health Department said this was the first bird to test positive for the virus in Milwaukee County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1.

"The positive bird means that residents of the North Shore need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," said Jamie Berg, a health officer.

West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The insects acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, the Health Department recommends people limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

They also ask people to apply insect repellant, make sure window and screen doors are in good repair, trim tall grass and weeds, and get rid of standing water around your home.